James 5:14

KJV

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

KJV (with Strong's)

Is {G770} any {G5100} sick {G770} among {G1722} you {G5213}? let him call {G4341} for the elders {G4245} of the church {G1577}; and {G2532} let them pray {G4336} over {G1909} him {G846}, anointing {G218} him {G846} with oil {G1637} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

American Standard Version

Is any among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:14 provides specific, communal instructions for believers experiencing sickness, emphasizing the vital role of the church's spiritual leadership in seeking divine intervention. It outlines a process involving the sick person initiating contact with the elders, who are then to engage in fervent prayer and anoint with oil, all performed under the authority and power of the Lord, underscoring a holistic approach to healing that integrates spiritual care with tangible action within the believing community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 5:14 is situated within the concluding exhortations of James's epistle, which transitions from warnings against the rich and appeals for patience in suffering (James 5:1-11) to a focus on the power and practice of prayer. Immediately preceding this verse, James urges believers to let their "Yea be Yea; and their Nay, Nay" (James 5:12), setting a tone of spiritual integrity and seriousness. Following James 5:14, the subsequent verses expand on the efficacy of the "prayer of faith" (James 5:15) and the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man" (James 5:16), culminating in the example of Elijah's powerful intercession (James 5:17-18). This progression highlights prayer as the primary means of navigating various life circumstances, from suffering to sickness to sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, sickness was often viewed through a spiritual lens, sometimes attributed to sin or demonic influence, but also understood as a natural part of human existence. Medical practices were rudimentary, and remedies often included herbal treatments, poultices, and the application of oil for its soothing and antiseptic properties. Olive oil, in particular, was a common commodity used for food, light, hygiene, and medicinal purposes throughout the Mediterranean and Near East. The concept of "elders" (πρεσβύτεροι, _presbyteroi_) was deeply rooted in both Jewish tradition (e.g., the elders of Israel, the Sanhedrin) and the emerging Christian church, where they served as spiritual leaders, overseers, and shepherds of the flock, responsible for teaching, guiding, and caring for the community. The early church, often meeting in homes, functioned as a close-knit community where mutual care and support were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in James's epistle. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **practical faith** demonstrated through action, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to active engagement in the community's well-being. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of communal support and pastoral care** within the body of Christ, emphasizing that believers are not meant to suffer in isolation but are to seek the spiritual and practical aid of their leaders. Thirdly, it powerfully articulates the **efficacy and necessity of prayer**, particularly intercessory prayer, aligning with James's broader emphasis on the [power of prayer](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Righteous Prayer"). Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **divine healing**, presenting a specific protocol for seeking God's intervention in physical affliction, linking it directly to the [prayer of faith](/james/5-15 "James 5:15 - The Prayer of Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Greek, _asthenéō_):** From G770, meaning "to be feeble (in any sense)." This word broadly encompasses various forms of weakness, infirmity, or illness, not necessarily a terminal or specific disease. It refers to a state of being physically weak or unwell, indicating a general condition of sickness that warrants spiritual attention.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros_):** From G4245, meaning "older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian 'presbyter'." In the context of the early church, these were mature, appointed leaders responsible for the spiritual oversight, teaching, and pastoral care of the congregation, functioning as shepherds of God's flock.
* **anointing (Greek, _aleíphō_):** From G218, meaning "to oil (with perfume)." This term refers to the common act of rubbing or smearing with oil, often for medicinal, hygienic, or cosmetic purposes. It contrasts with _chriō_ (G5548), which typically denotes a more ceremonial or sacred anointing (e.g., for consecration of priests or kings). The choice of _aleíphō_ here suggests a practical application, though its performance "in the name of the Lord" elevates it to a spiritual act with divine significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is any sick among you?"**: This opening question sets the context, indicating that the instruction is for any member of the Christian community who is experiencing physical weakness or illness. It implies a common and expected occurrence within the community.
* **"let him call for the elders of the church;"**: This is an imperative command, placing the initiative on the sick individual to actively seek spiritual support. It highlights the importance of the church's recognized spiritual leadership—the elders—as the designated caregivers for such situations, underscoring their pastoral responsibility.
* **"and let them pray over him,"**: This specifies the primary action of the elders: fervent, intercessory prayer for the sick person. The preposition "over" (Greek, _epí_, G1909) suggests a direct, focused, and possibly hands-on prayer, emphasizing the elders' spiritual authority and active engagement in the healing process.
* **"anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"**: This describes a secondary, yet significant, action accompanying the prayer. The anointing with oil is performed "in the name of the Lord," which signifies that the act is done by His authority, for His glory, and with reliance on His power. It is not the oil itself that heals, but God acting through the elders' obedience and faith.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:14 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "let him call" and "let them pray," which conveys a direct command and specific instruction for action, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of following this protocol. There is also clear **Symbolism** at play; while oil had practical medicinal uses in the ancient world, its application "in the name of the Lord" elevates it beyond a mere remedy. It likely symbolizes consecration, the presence of the Holy Spirit, or a tangible expression of faith and reliance on God's healing power. The verse also demonstrates **Communal Language**, as it addresses the collective "you" ("among you") and involves the "elders of the church," highlighting the corporate responsibility and mutual care within the Christian community rather than an individualistic approach to suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:14 is a pivotal text for understanding the New Testament's teaching on divine healing and the church's role in it. It underscores that God's healing power is mediated through the corporate body of believers, particularly its appointed leaders, and is activated by faith and prayer. This passage integrates spiritual and physical dimensions of human suffering, affirming that God cares for the whole person. It teaches that seeking spiritual care from church leadership is a legitimate and prescribed response to illness, demonstrating reliance on God's sovereignty and the power of intercessory prayer. The anointing with oil, performed "in the name of the Lord," signifies that the healing power originates from God alone, not from any inherent property of the oil or the elders themselves, but through their obedient faith.

* [Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples Anoint and Heal")
* [James 5:15-16](/james/5-15-16 "James 5:15-16 - The Prayer of Faith and Confession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 5:14 offers profound guidance for believers facing illness today, reminding us that our suffering is not meant to be endured in isolation but within the supportive embrace of the Christian community. It calls us to humility and faith, prompting us to reach out to those God has appointed to shepherd His flock, trusting that their prayers, offered in unity and according to God's will, carry significant spiritual weight. This passage encourages a holistic view of well-being, where physical ailments are met with spiritual remedies—prayer, anointing, and the corporate faith of the church. It challenges us to cultivate a church culture where seeking pastoral care for sickness is a natural and expected response, fostering an environment of mutual dependence on God and one another. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to the Lord as the ultimate source of healing, whether through miraculous intervention, medical means, or the grace to endure suffering with faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the instruction to "call for the elders" challenge individualistic approaches to suffering and encourage communal reliance within the church?**
* **In what ways can we, as a church community, better embody the spirit of care and intercession for the sick as described in this verse?**
* **What does it mean to pray and act "in the name of the Lord" in the context of seeking healing, and how does this shape our expectations and trust?**

### FAQ

**Is the anointing oil literal or symbolic, and is it necessary for healing?**

Answer: The anointing oil (Greek, _élaion_, G1637) in James 5:14 is generally understood as literal olive oil, commonly used in ancient times for medicinal purposes, hygiene, and as a symbol of consecration or the Holy Spirit. While its application is a prescribed action in this verse, the text explicitly states that the anointing is done "in the name of the Lord," emphasizing that the power for healing comes from God alone, not from the oil itself. Therefore, the oil functions as a tangible symbol or an act of obedience and faith, rather than a magical substance or the sole prerequisite for healing. The primary emphasis is on the prayer of faith offered by the elders.

**Who are the "elders" mentioned in this verse, and what is their role today?**

Answer: The "elders" (Greek, _presbýteros_, G4245) refer to the recognized spiritual leaders and overseers of the local church. In the New Testament, elders were appointed to shepherd, teach, guide, and care for the congregation (e.g., [Acts 14:23](/acts/14-23 "Acts 14:23 - Appointment of Elders"), [1 Peter 5:1-3](/1_peter/5-1-3 "1 Peter 5:1-3 - Peter's Exhortation to Elders")). Their role today remains vital: to provide pastoral care, spiritual direction, and to lead the church in prayer and ministry, including ministering to the sick. The verse underscores their responsibility to intercede for the afflicted members of their flock.

**Does James 5:14 guarantee physical healing for all who follow its instructions?**

Answer: While James 5:14-15 speaks of the "prayer of faith" saving the sick and the Lord raising them up, it does not offer an absolute guarantee of physical healing in every instance. God's sovereignty remains paramount, and His will ultimately determines the outcome. The passage provides a pathway for seeking God's healing, emphasizing faith, prayer, and communal support. However, the Bible also acknowledges that believers may experience ongoing suffering and even death (e.g., [2 Corinthians 12:7-10](/2_corinthians/12-7-10 "2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh"), [Philippians 2:27](/philippians/2-27 "Philippians 2:27 - Epaphroditus's Illness")). The focus is on faithful obedience to the instruction and trusting God's good and perfect will, whether that results in immediate physical restoration, strength to endure, or ultimate healing in eternity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 5:14, with its call for elders to pray over the sick and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the Great Physician (e.g., [Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Jesus, the Great Physician")), whose earthly ministry was characterized by compassionately healing all manner of sickness and disease (e.g., [Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus Heals All Kinds of Sickness")). His miracles were not merely acts of power but demonstrations of the kingdom of God breaking into a broken world, foreshadowing the complete restoration found in Him. The instruction for elders to act "in the name of the Lord" directly points to Christ's authority and power, recognizing that any true healing flows from Him, the one who bore our infirmities and carried our diseases on the cross (e.g., [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ's Atonement for Sickness"), quoted in [Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Christ Bearing Our Infirmities")). The anointing with oil can be seen as a tangible symbol of the Holy Spirit, who is Christ's presence among us, empowering the church to continue His ministry of healing and reconciliation (e.g., [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit")). Ultimately, the prayer for the sick in James 5:14 anticipates the eschatological reality of a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death, all made possible through Christ's victory over sin and its consequences (e.g., [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, the church's ministry of healing is a present participation in Christ's ongoing redemptive work and a foretaste of the complete healing to come in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 6:13

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed [them].

Acts 28:8

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

2 Kings 5:11

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

Acts 14:23

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Titus 1:5

¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

2 Kings 4:33

He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.